Rust Proofing - Burn Your Headers

Racers are an ingenious lot. After all, the sport is expensive, time consuming and inseparable from an element of risk. That's enough to weed out all but the most committed individuals. And even then few have the resources available to do everything just the way they'd like.

Instead of simply throwing money at every problem that crops up, often the only option is to figure out a way to make do with less. Instead of replacing race-worn parts on a regular schedule, components are made to last as long as possible with meticulous maintenance. Bent sheetmetal is straightened, bent chassis are cut up and welded back together. Tires are pushed to last an extra week. You get the idea.

But we've also seen some really clever solutions that race teams have come up with to save a buck while advancing their racing operation. Take, for example, how you can use a couple quarts of automatic transmission fluid and a torch to rust-proof your exhaust headers instead of spending the cash to have your headers professionally coated.

The process literally requires only a Scotch Brite pad (or two), a couple quarts of automatic transmission fluid (otherwise known as ATF), a torch to heat the material, some WD-40 or an equivalent lubricant/rust penetrant, a pair of heavy gloves, and some old rags. Believe it or not, that's it.